Customs joins INTERPOL intelligence network to strengthen border security

The Nigeria Customs Service has enhanced its border security and intelligence capabilities with the deployment of an INTERPOL Data Centre at its headquarters in Abuja, giving officers access to one of the world’s largest criminal intelligence networks.

The development was announced on Monday by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, during a demonstration of the newly deployed facility.

Describing the initiative as a major milestone, Adeniyi said the data centre aligns with the service’s technology-driven transformation agenda and intelligence-led enforcement strategy.

“Our enforcement approach has evolved beyond conventional compliance. Technology now plays a central role in combating transnational crime,” he said.

The Customs boss also disclosed that the service plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with INTERPOL to further strengthen collaboration between both organisations.

Adeniyi highlighted the Nigeria Customs Service’s indigenous B’Odogwu** platform, describing it as an innovative digital solution capable of supporting trade facilitation in Nigeria and across other African customs administrations.

Speaking earlier, INTERPOL Consultant Chikwe Udensi said the facility is the eighth INTERPOL Data Centre established in Africa.

According to him, the platform provides customs officers with access to more than 152 global criminal databases containing information on stolen vehicles, vessels, cargo, parcels and other transported assets.

Udensi explained that the system enables officers to instantly verify whether goods or transport assets have been reported stolen anywhere in the world, thereby strengthening investigations, border security and revenue generation through real-time intelligence.

Also speaking, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Enforcement, Investigation and Inspection, Timi Bomodi, said officers have already been trained to operate the system, which has been fully integrated into the service’s information and communications technology infrastructure.

Bomodi added that the platform will also improve cargo profiling, valuation and risk assessment by providing accurate information on the description and origin of imported goods.